Write a comprehensive list of your stored items and keep it in a safe place at home.

Think about your storage space - those items that you need to get to most often should be near the front, closest to the door.

Wrap dishes and glasses in tissue paper or bubble wrap before storing.

Protect fragile goods with bubble wrap.

Wrap table legs with bubble wrap before storing them.

Clean tools / garden equipment before storing them.

Use good quality storage boxes and fill them to capacity as partially full or bulging boxes may tip or collapse.

Pack heavy items into small boxes so they're easy to lift and label or number boxes so it's easier to find your things later.

Wrap pictures and mirrors, then stack them on their end in boxes marked 'fragile'.

Place heavy or bulky items in the room first to provide a good stacking base.

Always place a protective cover over your soft furnishings.

Do not place heavy items on sofas or mattresses.

Stack chairs seat to seat with cloth or paper to separate them.

Leave refrigerator or freezer doors open for ventilation when storing.

To aid ventilation, avoid stacking or leaning furniture against outside walls.

Cover your goods with drop sheets to protect against dust.